FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2014, file photo, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos in Santa Clara, Calif. Aldon Smith has been suspended for nine games by the NFL after a series of off-field legal issues. A statement Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, from the league said Smith had violated the NFL’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (The Associated Press)

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FILE - In this Aug. 24, 2014, file photo, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) sits on the sideline during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers in Santa Clara, Calif. Aldon Smith has been suspended for nine games by the NFL after a series of off-field legal issues. A statement Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, from the league said Smith had violated the NFL’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) (The Associated Press)

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has apologized to the organization and its fans after receiving a nine-game suspension from the NFL for a series of off-field legal issues.

In a statement released through the NFL Players Association on Saturday, Smith said he has "learned a lot" and is "working hard to grow from my experiences." He thanked his family, friends, teammates, the union and the 49ers for their support.

Smith missed five games last season to undergo treatment at an inpatient facility following his DUI arrest Sept. 20. In November, he pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon, stemming from a June 2012 party at his home.

Smith also was arrested April 13 at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly making a bomb threat. No charges were filed.